A letter from a husband to his wife directing her not to raise
her baby if it is female. Exposed children were left to be raised
by others or to die.[1]

Hilarion to Alis his sister,[2] heartiest greetings, and
to my dear Berous and Apollonarion. Know that we are still even
now in Alexandria. Do not worry if when all the others return
I remain in Alexandria. I beg and beseech of you to take care
of the little child, and as soon as we receive wages I will send
them to you. If-good luck to you!-you bear offspring, if it is
a male, let it live; if it is a female, expose it. You told Aphrodisias,
'Do not forget me.' How can I forget you? I beg you therefore
not to worry.

The 29th year of Caesar, Pauni 23.

Notes:

1. The Gnomon of the Idiologue (no. 148), makes provision for
the inheritance rights of male foundlings, or 'children from the
dung-heap' (sects. 41, 107); no provisions are made for female
children, who presumably were not given dowries but kept as slaves
(Cf. no. 381). Heraclas, a boy foundling who died while being
nursed is mentioned in POxy 37.i.7 and 38.7.